Long Island Board of REALTORS® Hosts Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration Honoring African American History and Culture

Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) proudly hosted its second annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 17, 2025, at the Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County. Co-hosted by the Queens Realtist Association of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and sponsored by OneKey® MLS, the event brought together REALTORS®, community leaders, and residents for an inspiring celebration of African American culture, history, and achievement.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news of the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It stands as a powerful reminder of African American resilience and a day to honor freedom, progress, and the ongoing pursuit of equity.

Now in its second year, LIBOR’s Juneteenth event has become a cornerstone of the association’s commitment to education, cultural appreciation, and community engagement. Guests were treated to an afternoon of cultural cuisine, networking, and thoughtful reflections from speakers, including LIBOR Member Engagement Committee Chair Felicia Smith and Queens Realtist NAREB Regional Vice President Janay Malloy. LIBOR CEO Doreen Spagnuolo was given the honor of introducing distinguished guest and speaker, Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr., who addressed the crowd and commended LIBOR for its commitment to promoting diversity and equitable housing opportunities. “I’m excited about the direction we are moving. It is organizations like this that help us to promote our healthy development and make sure that our people have access to fair housing. That is so important,” said Mayor Hobbs.

A museum tour, led by Program Director Mone’t Green, highlighted stories of influential—but often overlooked—figures in African American history. Guests also had the opportunity to explore a powerful art gallery and view The Children’s March, a documentary about the 1963 Birmingham children’s protest that helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“LIBOR is proud to honor Juneteenth and recognize the history, perseverance, and contributions of the African American community,” said LIBOR President Mark Donnelly. “Events like this remind us of the importance of learning from our past, celebrating our diversity, and continuing to build an inclusive future for all.”

LIBOR remains committed to creating spaces where members and communities can come together to learn, connect, and celebrate the cultures that shape our shared history.

To learn more about upcoming events and future programming, visit lirealtor.com/events.